How to read blue screen

Posted by Cody | windows news | Saturday 12 March 2011 11:11 pm

How to read blue screen

The dreaded blue screen is the mask that gets Windows to tell us that something is wrong. Seemingly incomprehensible, these messages contain information useful for solving hardware and software conflicts that plague the system.

In this article we explain how to read a blue screen with the help of special tools. Having identified the problem, you can put to work to resolve it. So the next time you see a blue screen, and you will not feel as helpless as before.

Anatomy of a blue screen

Read the blue screen is only possible if the system automatically restarts after a failure, to prevent this, you need to disable the automatic restart . Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced and click the button configuration of paragraph Startup and Recovery . Uncheck the "Automatically restart" and accepted.

Propiedades avanzadas del sistema

The blue screen (hereafter, PA) always have the same structure is reported the occurrence of a problem, the file concerned, the error message or stop and, after some generic recommendations, it shows some technical information difficult to decipher. In the picture we have outlined the position of each element:

Anatomía de un pantallazo azul

The really interesting data are the first two: the file and the error. In most cases this is hardware drivers or conflicts between programs. The codes that follow the word STOP is also useful. Here are some of the most common:

DRIVER_IRQ_NOT_LESS_THAN_OR_EQUAL_TO : a classic. It refers to a conflict caused by hardware devices such as graphics or sound cards. A faulty driver or a device failure are two of the most common causes. The quickest solution is to boot in safe mode and change the driver.

UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_DEVICE: indicates an error in the file system hard drive or by corrupted system files, either by a physical error. Can be solved by running chkdsk and fixmbr utilities included in all versions of Windows.

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NON_PAGE_AREA: when Windows can not find the information sought in memory, this error appears inexorably. Incompatibilities between programs (eg antivirus) and bad memory modules can also cause this stop.

CRITICAL_OBJECT_TERMINATION: some important processes have terminated unexpectedly or have been closed. It’s the closest thing to take two legs to a table. It is best to restart in safe mode and investigate what service has failed or if there is malware acting freely.

Check out this exhaustive list of STOP codes to find yours. In most cases, a combined search of both strings can put you on the trail of what happened. For example, a file error with nv4_disp.dll DRIVER_IRQL-owned Nvidia drivers, indicates a failure of the graphics card or its driver.

Utilities for interpreting the blue screen

There are a couple of forensic tools that are helpful to find out what is behind the PA: BlueScreenView and WhoCrashed . Both analyze the C: \ Windows \ minidump in search of memory dumps, traces left by serious errors. For BlueScreenView, even recreates the appearance of the original screenshot:

BlueScreenView

Besides pointing out the date and time of the error, BlueScreenView summarizes all the important values ​​in a table export, memory addresses, modules and drivers involved, as well as data on the same (version, description, etc.). WhoCrashed does the same, but also offers an interpretation of what happened:

WhoCrashed

A click on Analyze and WhoCrashed process all dumps of memory. The report generated much more legible, contain all crashes in chronological order and a final interpretation (not always successfully). Certainly better than reading a screen shot just appeared.

What to do to solve a blue screen

Ready to save the world? Sign in safe mode (or safe) by pressing F8 during boot. If you use XP, the tool BootSafe save you this step. In Safe Mode, the vast majority of programs and services are disabled, including possible cause of the PA.

Modo Seguro If you could not boot into safe mode, choose Last Known Good Configuration

The phrase "if it works, do not touch" aptly describes the search for the perpetrators of the system error. Your Memory: installed a conflicting program? Do we update a driver? Slinks Maybe a virus? Any recent changes may be the prime suspect. Here is a set of desirable actions:

* System Restore is the solution to the conflicts caused by newly installed software and drivers

* Scan hard disk for errors is also a good idea. Use the command chkdsk and fixmbr

* Should check the integrity of system files. Run the command SFC / scannow

* Use a bootable CD antivirus to clean any infections (eg, G-Data Boot CD )

* Defective RAM modules are an endless source of bugs. Look for them with Memtest86 +

These five steps should help to solve most problems. In some cases, verify the correct connection of the components (eg hard drives) or the temperature of the system is also useful. More specific issues related to the BIOS if you change the factory defaults, return them to their original state.

Have you ever encountered a blue screen? Tell us your story!

Other Electronics News:

 

How to detect intruders and take your WiFi network

Posted by Cody | windows news | Saturday 26 February 2011 1:48 am

How to detect intruders and take your WiFi network

The connection is slower than usual, too slow to cause either a failure of your carrier. You control the settings, do a few tests … a moment: is it possible that the neighbor is connected to your wireless router and use the connection to download movies to piece? Yes.

WiFi networks are particularly vulnerable to external intrusions . If your signal has no encryption, or you forgot to activate it or you want to share with everyone (in this case, only of interest to drive the bullies). But even with encryption, it is possible that someone in through the most diverse reasons.

This tutorial will teach you to identify intruders on your network and take steps to expel them altogether. By the way, we will use to let you know what protections are effective and which, by contrast, only a waste of time.

Wireless intruder detection

There are several symptoms that indicate the presence of an intruder in a home WiFi network. With all your computers and devices powered off or disconnected from the network, see the activity lights on the router: a continued rapid flicker indicates that devices are connected and transmitting a large flow of information.

Medición de velocidad con BASpeed A speed meter helps to confirm the loss of bandwidth

The intrusion, if the neighbor misbehaves, will also affect the download speed you are comfortable. A user of MegaUpload, for example, may suddenly find the IP blocked by a discharge which is made from your router … but not from your computer. The sense of loss of bandwidth is difficult to quantify: programs such as BASP or NetWorx will help to confirm it.

AirSnare AirSnare just found several "outsiders" (unknown devices)

There are tools designed to hunt intruders. The first and best known is AirSnare , which has not been updated in a few years, but still works on many machines without problems. AirSnare hear the traffic passing through the network adapter to get all the MAC addresses connected to the network. A similar utility, but command line is the interesting Fing .

Zamzon The simple-but effective-Zamzom Wireless Network Tool

Wireless Zamzon does the same, but lacks all AirSnare options, such as sending messages or event log. AirSnare also emits beeps every time you discover an unknown direction. Want to be absolutely sure that what you found is an intruder? Sometimes, you try to access shared resources on your computer can take away the doubts of others. Go to Start> Run and type \ \ followed by the IP detected. Be good!

NetBios If the intruder does not have firewalls and shared folders, this will be fun

Finally, if you have left the router control panel, open it by typing the address 192.168.1.1 or 172.168.0.1 in your browser, enter username and password (if you do not know, find out your device in RouterPasswords.com or CIRT ) and navigate to a menu called "Wireless Clients", "Connected Clients" or similar. You’ll recognize him by a table that shows local IP addresses and MAC addresses. Note that each device you have at home (like consoles) will have its own IP.

Wireless Clients Well, there are no intruders. I can sleep peacefully.

The latter system consists in playing all the bells in the neighborhood, go into the house and examine the computer to find the suspect. An impractical approach …

Raise defenses: what works and what does not

You have proven that someone broke into your wireless network without difficulty now is the time to reinforce the walls and plug holes so that will not happen again. There are a few things that do not work and therefore, you should avoid when securing the network.

Useless measures:

* WEP encryption : it is well known that this type of encryption is obsolete. The main reason for which is still used is compatible with 802.11b adapters, and is perhaps why many ISPs enabled by default. What are unsure why? Every mother’s son knows how to use minimally hustler Aircrack , a program capable of finding key WEP shortly.

* MAC filtering : restrict browsing to the MAC addresses of your computers is tempting, but useless. With the directions identified by the intruder and utilities such as MacMakeUp , changing the device address, the mac-spoofing is done in seconds. What might happen is that you stay out of your network.

* Hide your SSID: Hide the name of the wireless network is like walking behind a door and pretend that no one sees you. Itself is interesting, moreover, to rename the SSID to something that is not like the default name or may be related to your location. Try something nice like "GTFO" or "HolaPollo."

* Turn off the router: it is true, a router is a router off intrusion-proof … and also a useless piece of junk. Turn off the router during periods of inactivity to save power is good and little else.

Are they completely useless these security measures? Depends on the skill level of your neighbors. Using Aircrack or similar programs is not as widespread in certain districts, it is unlikely, for example, that a kind old lady use to save a few quarters, but stranger things have happened. WEP, hide the SSID and MAC address filtering only prevent casual connections who seeks open networks.

What works:

* WPA/WPA2 encryption : encryption technology WPA compatible with 802.11g adapters above, is much stronger than WEP. Any router has WPA-PSK, instead of a hexadecimal code, is a long passphrase variable (which must be resistant to dictionary attacks .) Do you have WPA2-AES ? Is the most robust.

* Change the password of the router: it is the first thing to do. The hypothetical intruder will want to open ports on the router to use your favorite P2P program or hide their movements. Change the password of the router to have the last word on the connection.

* Paint Anti-WiFi : a novel solution is to cover the walls of your flat with a layer of special paint that prevents the passage of WiFi signals. Too bad that is not on sale yet …

What if I leave it open?

Are you a generous person? Leave the router open-with the admin password changed "is a great way to win friends, though there are many reasons why it is not recommended, as loss of speed (caused by who discharge data to lock) or the use of connection for illegal purposes (whatever). An interesting way to share and take advantage of your connection is to create a FON Spot .

Upside-Down-Ternet Jokes like this are only possible with sophisticated routers

If you choose to share the connection, be sure to use a sophisticated router that gives you full control over the network. Some models run their own version of Linux. An example of the fancy stuff that can get done what gives Upside-Down-Ternet , a method for navigating the intruder, yes, but with the images in reverse. Is not it fun? Another interesting idea is to configure a home page with NoCatSplash to greet visitors.

For the nostalgic …

… The most secure network is wired. Fifty meters of Ethernet cable cost about 25 euros, ensure maximum connection quality and are relatively unobtrusive, especially if you go through the service lines that are on the floors of new construction.

Conexiones Ethernet

The hard part is learning to "crimping" (crimp or corrugated) cable, that is, to add the many colored wires in the plastic connectors. Here’s a tutorial with pictures . Route the cable is a nightmare or the funniest in the world, depending on how much you like fumble.

And you? How protegeis your WiFi network?

Other Electronics News:

 

Google helps you navigate with DNS

Posted by Cody | windows news | Wednesday 23 February 2011 1:51 am

Google helps you navigate with DNS

Google launches public DNS servers . You may be wondering how it can help you to navigate faster. Whenever you type an address in the browser toolbar, for example, Google.com, and press Enter, the browser contacts the DNS server to translate the URL to an IP address (in the case of Google, 74.125.67.100).

Well, without fast and reliable DNS servers to translate IP addresses into numbers is a slower process, and therefore so is surfing. In the past recommend the service OpenDNS , but Google’s entry is a revolution, with its connections, the best in the world, could hardly have better service. At least on paper. Let’s see how to configure Windows to use the DNS of the Great Search.

Want to switch to Google DNS ? The DNS server addresses audiences on Google are:

* 8.8.4.4 8.8.8.8 *

Certainly very easy to remember. But how can you use on your computer? Operating system dependent. On the official website there are instructions for all of them , but here we explain how to configure DNS for Google in Windows XP, Vista and 7.

In Windows XP

In XP, go to Start> Control Panel and open Network Connections , you will see all your connections. Right click on that you use to connect to the Internet, the left over properties and opens a window with the network properties of the connection.

Propiedades de TCP/IP

Double-click Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) , choose the last radio button ( Use the following DNS server addresses ) and enter 8.8.8.8 in the first field and 8.8.4.4 in the second. Click OK, OK again y… Already!

In Vista / 7

In Vista and 7, go to the Control Panel , open the Network Center and shares or click View network status and network tasks in the Network and Internet section:

TCP/IP en Vista

In Vista click on View Status and then click Properties ; in Windows 7, click on the name of the connection and then click Properties. In both cases, you will see two TCP / IP. Double click and edit TCP/IPv4 other details as in the case of XP.

"Faster? Not exactly …

What do you think of Google’s DNS? Do you notice an improvement in connection speed? You can use the program namebench to check the speed of the new DNS addresses against the most known, such as OpenDNS or UltraDNS.

Benchmark de DNS The response time of Google’s DNS is not the fastest from Spain

In our tests, surprisingly, Google’s DNS were not the fastest, but may be due to the relative youth of the service. Making a comparison: Spain’s Telefonica DNS throw 13ms pings, while Google DNS times are around 40ms.

Other Electronics News:

 

Revive the PC (III): Safe Mode and restore

Posted by Cody | software | Tuesday 23 November 2010 8:36 am

Revive the PC (III): Safe Mode and restore

While a basic version for a few, some people do not know yet. The failsafe mode is also a somewhat bizarre translation of Safe Mode, Or safe mode, a good tool to solve some errors.

To access it you have to Press F8 during boot Windows and then select the option. If there has been a problem in starting the last time you start Windows, then we will direct the selection menu, without pressing any key.

Unlike the normal start while booting Windows in Safe mode we do not get a – pretty? – Display a progress bar, but the screen fills us with the list of files. Each file loaded by Windows appears there, so if the boot is cut to get to one in particular, at least we will know where is the problem.

Benefits Safe mode:

∗ Load default drivers for all devices, which prevents the system to crash if the problems are caused by one particular
∗ No additional software starts at the beginning, so it tends to sneak viruses and Trojans that do affect the normal boot
∗ If you need to replace a system file, it is possible, depending on what is "that this file is not in use, since Safe Mode loads fewer files
∗ You can do a System Restore safely

System Restore

If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the mysterious folder Volume Information SystemThe solution to this enigma is, yes, exactly, to restore the system files. Although it may seem magical, the truth is that nothing is further from the truth.

System Restore is only a copy (Actually several) Windows periodically makesAs well as to install some programs or on request Windows registry and files that have changed.

Its main aim is to make Windows the way it was a few days ago, which is not always able to do too much expertise. It is for this reason that should not be used lightly. Do not destroy your computer or set fire to your house, but you could cause an occasional unnecessary headache if you use it all the time.

Turns on and off since Control Panel / System / System RestoreBut by default it is enabled. From this window you can choose the disk size will be reserved for this function in each unit. If you have multiple hard drives, you can disable this feature in those without Windows installed, it will generally not be helpful.

So your Windows is knackered and want to try to restore it? All right. In this case the first thing you do is open the program in question, which is hosted in the start menu, plant Accessories, System Tools door. You will see a window where you can choose from System Restore to a previous state or Create a restore point.

After clicking on the second option, we will get a calendar. The days marked in bold are those where there is a saved backup. So, now plays to remember and think about the last day I remember that the team worked perfectly, to select the last copy that we serve.

Once elected, and as we click Next, Windows will tell us a story about the system will reboot, and it is. From now on we can only sit back and see how Windows does the dirty work. Restarts, it will change and perhaps is restarted again. When finished, a window it will tell us, reminding us that if something goes wrong, we can undo the changes from the System Restore tool (now see a third option for it).

Other Electronics News:

⇒⇒⇒ apple a1175 battery

⇒⇒⇒ apple macbook pro 13-inch battery

⇒⇒⇒ canon bg-e5 battery grip

⇒⇒⇒ lenovo thinkpad t60p battery

⇒⇒⇒ laptop batteries